Japanese Scientists Create See-Through Goldfish

Japanese researchers have produced a new species of goldfish with see-through skin. You can see the fish's beating heart, brain, and other internal organs, right through its invisible scales. And that's precisely the point--the scientists created the fish to eliminate the need for dissections, which are getting ever more controversial in Japan. Here's how they did it (more pics after the jump). Creating the 'Ryukin': the Translucent GoldfishAccording to the AFP, the researchers "produced the "ryukin" goldfish by picking mutant hatchery goldfish with pale skin and breeding them together." They effectively bred fish with translucent, pigment-less scales and skin. The see-through fish will also live 20 years and grow up to 10 inches long--proving they're certainly not your average goldfish.

Another group of Japanese researchers had already developed translucent frogs, which they're planning on 'mass producing' and selling as early as next year. The see-through goldfish should be close behind. Both were created in response to mounting pressures from animal rights groups who object to mass dissections.

See-Through Fish in NatureSurprisingly, such incredible transparent skin exists in the wild naturally as well--just check out this National Geographic photo of a fish photographed off the California coast with a see-through head for proof: